5th-element

The online auction platform for bunker procurement

  • End traditional back-and-forth negotiations
  • Run online reverse auctions for bunkers easily
  • Invite suppliers to bid against each other in real-time
  • Secure deals significantly below Platts rates

Auctionconnect Bunker Procurement AuctionConnect Illustration

Say goodbye to the challenges of traditional bunker procurement

Traditional procurement

Traditional manual procurement

Buyer negotiates directly with each supplier to bring prices down.

Online reverse auction

Online procurement with AuctionConnect

Suppliers compete in AuctionConnect’s real-time bidding environment, ensuring the buyer secures the best deal.

See fuel prices drop in real-time as your suppliers outbid each other

AuctionConnect empowers you to easily run online reverse auctions for bunkers.

In a reverse auction, prices go down, not up, because invited suppliers compete by lowering their prices to win your business.

The rivalry and time pressure often spark bidding wars among suppliers. Your role? Just watch and enjoy saving more with each bid.

Comparative bid analysis

Here's how AuctionConnect works

Create online bunker auctions easily

Create online bunker auctions easily

Set up an auction with just a few clicks by entering details such as the port, vessel, time, and fuel requirements.

Invite trusted suppliers to bid

Invite trusted suppliers to bid

Simply check off the suppliers you want to invite for real-time competitive bidding and secure the best offers.

Watch suppliers compete in real-time

Watch suppliers compete in real-time

Observe as suppliers actively outbid each other in real-time and enjoy saving more with each bid.

Evaluate bids and award suppliers

Evaluate bids and award suppliers

Use our transparent evaluation tool to make the best choice — or simply let the auction expire if you decide not to fix.

Get actionable reporting insights

Get actionable reporting insights

Receive detailed reports and analytics post-auction to inform your future procurement strategies.

Create online bunker auctions easily
Invite trusted suppliers to bid
Watch suppliers compete in real-time
Evaluate bids and award suppliers
Get actionable reporting insights

Set up an auction with just a few clicks by entering details such as the port, vessel, time, and fuel requirements.

Simply check off the suppliers you want to invite for real-time competitive bidding and secure the best offers.

Observe as suppliers actively outbid each other in real-time and enjoy saving more with each bid.

Use our transparent evaluation tool to make the best choice — or simply let the auction expire if you decide not to fix.

Receive detailed reports and analytics post-auction to inform your future procurement strategies.

Why the world’s leading bunker buyers choose AuctionConnect

Secure deals significantly below Platts rates

The competitive bidding among suppliers naturally drives down prices, ensuring you effortlessly achieve the best market rates.

No subscription fees

Experience all the benefits of AuctionConnect without the burden of subscription fees, adding direct value to your procurement budget.

Premium support

Receive 1:1 onboarding and ongoing support from our dedicated team, ensuring smooth transitions and continuous growth.

Advanced reporting capabilities

AuctionConnect distills auction data into concise reports, sharpening decision-making and reinforcing transparency

Hassle-free compliance and transparency

Every bid and transaction is recorded, offering full transparency and a comprehensive audit trail for effortless compliance.

Efficient market coverage

AuctionConnect offers quick, comprehensive market coverage, delivering a full scope of rates and options in just 20 minutes.

Skeptical about online auctions? Start with a commitment-free test auction

Many bunker buyers are skeptical about online auctions. That’s why we’re offering to run a test auction with your chosen suppliers. We'll guide you through every step:

Request a demo

Start by seeing AuctionConnect in action. Our personal demo gives you a first-hand look at how the platform works and what it can do for your procurement process.

Run a test auction

Together, we'll tailor an auction to your needs, inviting your chosen suppliers for real-time bidding. Most suppliers in key ports are already well-versed with AuctionConnect.

Evaluate the process

After the auction, take some time to assess. You’ll see the efficiency and transparency of the procurement process, and how it stacks up against traditional methods.

Plan for roll-out

Satisfied with the pilot? We’ll assist you in planning a full roll-out, ensuring a smooth transition to regular use of AuctionConnect for your procurement needs.

Safe and secure by design

Uncompromised security is built into AuctionConnect to protect your data and deals.

Uncompromised security

Two-factor authentication

Dual-layer verification makes sure only you can access your account on trusted devices.

Regular security audits and compliance checks

Routine audits and compliance with industry standards ensure risks are expertly minimized.

Automated data backups

Regular backups safeguard your data, ensuring quick recovery and consistent operations.

Early threat detection

Monitoring and anomaly detection rapidly address threats, maintaining platform safety.

RBAC authentication

Role-Based Access Control ensures users access only what they need, bolstering security.

SSL encryption

Every bit of data is shielded by advanced encryption, both in transit and when it’s stored.

5th-element

21

years in business

25M

MT of fuel sold

100+

bunker buyers served

10K

reverse auctions completed

Ready to transform your procurement process?

We know it's a big decision — and we're here to support you every step of the way. Take the next small step:

Request a 10-minute personal demo

Let an expert guide you through the platform.

  • Join a live, guided test auction
  • Experience firsthand what our platform can do for your procurement process
  • Free of charge and no strings attached

Talk to an expert

Our team members are here to help.

When you fill out the form, you submit your personal information into our custody. We promise to take good care of them. Read our terms here.

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

AuctionConnect is an online platform enabling buyers to host reverse auctions for bunker procurement. Suppliers bid against each other, driving prices down, making procurement efficient and cost-effective.

Absolutely! We offer commitment-free test auctions so you can experience our platform first-hand and see how it fits your needs before making a decision.

You can start using AuctionConnect within days, not weeks. Our streamlined onboarding process ensures a swift and smooth transition to our platform.

Yes, our platform is designed to cater to the needs of everyone, from small operators to large multinational companies.

AuctionConnect is the world's first platform specializing in bunker procurement auctions. We combine deep industry expertise with a user-friendly platform, providing unparalleled service in the bunker industry.

Yes, AuctionConnect is designed to accommodate various types of bunker fuel. Our platform allows you to specify the fuel type in your auctions, ensuring you get exactly what you need for your requirement.

Yes, you have full control. You choose which suppliers to invite, and there's no obligation to accept a bid if it doesn't meet your standards—you're in command from start to finish.

You can cancel an auction at any time before confirming a supplier, providing flexibility and control over the procurement process.

Specific needs can be included in the auction details, making them visible to all suppliers. This ensures that all bids meet your bespoke requirements.

AuctionConnect is flexible; changes before or during an auction are manageable. If requirements change post-auction, you can update the details and confirm with the supplier through the platform.

Our reverse auction format fosters competitive bidding among suppliers, which results in prices being driven down below market rates.

No, there's no limit to the number of suppliers you can invite. AuctionConnect allows you to invite as many suppliers as you wish, fostering a competitive bidding environment for your procurement needs.

AuctionConnect is free for buyers because suppliers pay a broker fee to AuctionConnect. This model boosts competition and ensures buyers get the best deals at no additional costs.

We prioritize data security and privacy with advanced encryption, regular compliance checks, and robust data protection measures, ensuring your data is always secure.

AuctionConnect is designed for seamless integration with vessel management systems (VMS). Our team will work with you to ensure smooth integration and data migration.

We ensure bid confidentiality through advanced encrypted communications and secure logins, allowing only authorized auction participants to view bid details.

We provide comprehensive support, from personalized onboarding to ongoing assistance for daily operations. Our dedicated team is always ready to help with any questions or issues you may encounter.

AuctionConnect supports and enriches human interaction. Our team, comprised of seasoned traders and brokers, actively assists you before and after each auction. You’ll still form direct relationships with suppliers, and unlike some services, we ensure open communication channels for building new connections.

Not at all. AuctionConnect is a tool that complements your expertise. You drive the process, from setting up auctions to making the final call on bids. It's about enhancing your efficiency, not replacing your role.

AuctionConnect follows a standard brokered deal's claims process. You can notify suppliers directly on the platform, maintaining a clear log, and our team supports you throughout the resolution process.